Jon Sparhawk Day — All Day Community Event!

Wear a Hawaiian shirt and do something positive for someone to honor of one of our founders and the inspiration for Ohio Brew Week, Jon Sparhawk.

Thirteen years ago, Sparhawk, a local restaurant owner, saw the growing Ohio beer scene as a way to spur business in Athens during the summer months.

Sparhawk passed away suddenly just before the second-ever Ohio Brew Week. His name and influence are memorialized in the “Sparbock” beer, brewed by Jackie O’s annually for Ohio Brew Week. Jon was a beloved Athens resident, highly involved and known by brewers all over the state.

Ohio Brew Week Executive Director Brandon Thompson wants community members to put forth a strong weekday showing on Sparhawk Day for the local bars and breweries.

“We know everyone enjoys the weekends,” said Thompson. “But Jon came up with Brew Week to boost business in Athens during the summer, and that means weekdays, too.

Festival staff will be uptown that day giving out prizes for completing a survey.

“There’s no better way to support local than hitting up Court Street on a Tuesday wearing your favorite Hawaiian shirt,” said Thompson.

Help us honor his legacy during the 13th annual Ohio Brew Week by remembering where it all started.